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Crib Sheet: Where to Go in Austin During SXSW

Heading into the final weekend of South by Southwest, you hit a saturation point and start to wonder about the bigger picture: Where else to shop, eat, souvenir-hunt, explore, and wind down during the mega music festival? From Balenciaga to barbecue, here is your crib sheet to the city.

By GeorgeGive the band T-shirts the day off: Hit South Congress (SoCo) for a quick wardrobe fix. You just saw three great new bands you’d never head of until today, and Prince is playing this weekend. That’s the vibe at this well-edited boutique, where indie labels mix with Isabel Marant and Alexander Wang.1400 South Congress; bygeorgeaustin.com

Allens BootsReal-deal Western chic from classic brands like Justin and Frye. Channel your inner Emmylou Harris and choose from an infinite-seeming lineup of studded, embroidered, or simply classic cowboy boots.1522 South Congress; allensboots.com

StagStag’s racks are curated for the guy who’s a little bit Cary Grant, a little bit Keith Richards: You’ll find everything from the perfect modern menswear shirt to the coolest vintage denim, all of it meant as much for him as for the girl who raids his closet.1423 South Congress; stagaustin.com

Fonda San MiguelThe garden is lush with native plants, local farms supply many of the ingredients, and the stately yet bright and colorful hacienda decor and standout Mexican-interior cooking (lobster-and-mango ceviche; a believe-the-hype brunch) will transport you straight to Guanajuato.2330 W. North Loop; fondasanmiguel.com

LambertsAfter days of dining at food trucks and taco stands, it’s time for something a little more wine-and-roses. Lamberts, one of the reigning champions of Texas brisket (rubbed with brown sugar and coffee) and chicken, serves down-home barbecue in a sleek, downtown setting.401 West 2nd St; lambertsaustin.com

Justine’s BrasserieAt this bungalow turned bistro, sip a French 75 cocktail under trees strung with lights as you play a round of pétanque with fellow diners. Daily specials like yellowtail-and-chard salad or almond soup might share the menu with the steak frites or saumon cru.4710 East 5th St; justines1937.com

Hotel San JoséModern bungalows tucked behind stucco walls give off a Marfa–meets–Old Hollywood vibe. Didn’t score a reservation? Not to worry. All afternoon during SXSW, the hotel and its coffee bar host South by San José, a series of free outdoor concerts. At night, DJs often spin vinyl in the tree-filled courtyard, the perfect spot to have a glass of wine.1316 South Congress; sanjosehotel.com

The Driskill BarCocktails and cowhide! The Driskill is so iconic it could almost risk being overlooked. But don’t—and don’t follow the example of Colonel Jesse Driskill, who is said to have lost ownership of the place in a poker game. Established in 1886, this one-time domain of cattle barons is now the most elegantly opulent setting in town—piano bar, leather couches, and all. Even if you're not staying the night, you would do well to drop by.604 Brazos St; driskillhotel.com

The Broken SpokeTurn those boots you bought at Allens into dancing shoes, and two-step across the wood-plank floors like a native at this genuinely old school, last-of-its-kind honky tonk/dance hall. Live Texas swing bands and other acts play nightly Tuesday through Saturday.3201 South Lamar; brokenspokeaustintx.com

Waterloo RecordsBearing the name of Napoleon’s last battle, Waterloo valiantly remains Austin’s most mammoth and diverse music store—and this, in a town where many record stores still thrive, is no small feat. Track down albums by all the bands you’ve discovered at SXSW.600 North Lamar; waterloorecords.comFarewell BooksWhen one door shuts, another is opened. So is the story of Farewell Books, setting up shop in the space that once housed the very cool Domy Books. Like Domy, Farewell specializes in rarefied literature, art books, and printed matter—while also functioning as an art gallery and performance space. Naturally it has its own food truck, too.913 East Cesar Chavez; farewellbooks@gmail.com

JM DrygoodsEmbroidered Otomi throws and Chiapas pillows, scarves made in Oaxaca, Guatemalan printed textiles, and handmade wooden tableware are among the offerings at JM Drygoods, which feels like a general store you might find plunked in the middle of Marfa.215 South Lamar, Suite C; jmdrygoods.com

Lake Austin Spa ResortChoose from an array of some 100 massage and body treatments, whether Native American–inspired or traditional Thai; take a workout class; swim, dip, and soak in the hot tubs or any of the three pools at this beautiful and spacious waterfront destination spa.1705 South Quinlan Park; lakeaustin.com

Enchanted Rock State Natural AreaAbout a two-hour drive from Austin in the hill country, and just outside the German antique town of Fredericksburg, looms a mystic, spectral 425-foot-tall pink granite formation. Tonkowa Indians claimed to hear it groan and creak throughout the day; hence its alchemical name. Hike to the top to feel like you’re on a lunar launch or perhaps posing for the cover of a Led Zeppelin album.16710 Ranch Road 965; tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/enchanted-rock